Imagine Tea at the Langham

It is said that one day in 1865, Anna Maria Russell, the 7th Duchess of Bedford who lived at Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire and was a Lady-to-the-Bedchamber to Queen Victioria, “experienced a ‘sinking feeling’ in the middle of the afternoon.”

She instructed her footman to bring her the makings for tea along with some bread and butter. It appears this was quite satisfying and so successful in lifting her spirits that the Duchess repeated this event the very next day and continued to do so thereafter, even inviting her friends to join her for ‘afternoon tea.’

And so, the convention of the English taking afternoon tea began, first with the upper classes and then, over the last 150 years, becoming a ritual for every English man and woman, as ingrained as the words of William Blake…

And did those feet in ancient time Walk upon England’s mountains green: And was the holy Lamb of God, On England’s pleasant pastures seen!

Though bread and butter are still enjoyed with a good cuppa, afternoon tea has evolved into ‘Afternoon Tea’ with 3-tiered platters filled with a variety of finger sandwiches, from simple cucumber or watercress to the elaborate—such as Langham Pasadena’s smoked salmon on sourdough with caramelized shallot caper cream, dill sprig, and caviar. Scones are usually served, traditionally with Devonshire clotted cream and lemon curd. Pastries have joined the party as well, from down home American brownies and pecan squares at the Huntington to the Langham’s more upscale Early Grey tiramisu gateau, passion apricot cone, and crème brûlée tart.

The Langham Huntington, Pasadena has entered a partnership with the junior program of Magic Castle, which benefits local children’s non-profit organizations. On September 13, an afternoon tea “designed especially for children”—called Imagine Tea—is available for families with children age 4 to 12.

A special menu has been created with “magically-decorated” desserts and junior entertainers from Magic Castle will perform.

Kids are invited to dress as their favorite character, person, or animal—whatever appeals to their imagination”—and during the event each child may take part in the Snapgram photo booth and create crafts with Little Junebugs.

There are over 100,000 children in the foster care system in the United States. Over half of those children are in California—56,000 in all. Almost 50% of these kids in California are age five and under. Five Acres strives to help children and families in crisis, creating a sense of belonging and safety for children, whether that is in their original home or in a new one.

I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In England’s green & pleasant Land

“Milton a Poem” (1804) by William Blake.
Music written by Sir Hubert Parry in 1916, creating the anthem “Jerusalem.”

Sir Hubert Parry

Though initially, Parry’s “Jerusalem” was to be used for the Fight for Right campaign to lift morale at the beginning of World War I, Parry began to have misgivings about the nationalism behind the campaign and ended up assigning the copyright to the National Union of Women’s Suffrage Societies.

“I wish indeed it might become the Women Voters’ Hymn, as you suggest. People seem to enjoy singing it. And having the vote ought to diffuse a good deal of joy. So they should combine happily.” (Sir Hubert Parry)

King George V is said to have commented that he preferred “Jerusalem” over “God Save the King” and oddly enough, Great Britain does not have an official national anthem. Along with “God Save the King/Queen,” “Jerusalem” has become an unofficial one, though it speaks glowingly of England with no mention of Wales, Scotland, and Ireland.